Jovan Using a Slackline

Kaitlyn Fieseler (MS OTR/L) is Jovan's occupational therapist at Cortica, Advanced Neurological Therapies for Autism. Today she sent me an awesome video of Jovan using the slackline at the clinic (Cortica).  We are so proud of Jovan! 

Research shows that people who have autism have benefited from exercise and the use of a slackline. There is a very interesting article called, "Exercise is Therapy - Kinesiology and the Autism Spectrum." The article addresses that exercise is our therapy. Physically speaking, children with Autism suffer from poor muscle tone, core strength, balance, and coordination. Performing exercises (motor activities) using the proprioceptive and vestibular system provide sensory motor and social goals..." ​

Proprioception and the vestibular system are key components in understanding the benefits of this specific type of occupational therapy for Jovan. Proprioception is the sense of the relative position of one's own parts of the body and strength of effort being employed in movement. Here is another great medical definition of proprioception. The definition of vestibular is interpreting stimuli from the inner ear receptors regarding head position and movement. A key feature of slacklining is the balance and proprioceptive awareness. 

This is another great article about slacklining from Psychology Today called, "Can Slacklining be Good for the Brain?" Although the article focuses more on team sports and the benefits of the team practicing slacklining techniques, it's a great resource into understanding what our brains might need to thrive.